The β-catenin pathway contributes to the effects of leptin on SREBP-1c expression in rat hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Liver fibrosis is commonly associated with obesity and most obese patients develop hyperleptinaemia. The adipocytokine leptin has a unique role in the development of liver fibrosis. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key step in hepatic fibrogenesis and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) can inhibit HSC activation. We have shown that leptin strongly inhibits SREBP-1c expression in rat HSCs. Hence, we aimed to clarify whether the β-catenin pathway, the crucial negative regulator of adipocyte differentiation, mediates the effects of leptin on SREBP-1c expression in HSCs and in mouse liver fibrosis.

Experimental approach

HSCs were prepared from rats and mice. Gene expressions were analysed by real-time PCR, Western blot

SUBMITTER: Zhai X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3632249 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature